Why your Fire Stick keeps restarting and how to fix it

Binging your favorite TV shows and movies is easy with an Amazon® Fire TV Stick™. But if your Fire Stick gets stuck in a reboot loop, you may not get much further than the home screen—let alone an entire show. 

Asurion Experts keep your favorite entertainment devices running smoothly, whether you need help with a Fire Stick remote that won't work or discovering ways to make your phone battery last longer. Here's what to do when your Firestick keeps restarting.

Why does my Fire Stick keep restarting?

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is among Asurion's top picks for streaming devices. It's affordable, portable, and easy to use. But you may still experience technical issues occasionally. If your Fire Stick keeps rebooting, one of these causes is usually the culprit.

• Power supply issues. A Fire Stick requires a steady power source to run. Interruptions to the power supply can cause frequent restarting. 
• Overheating. Fire Sticks kept in hot environments can overheat, disrupting performance. The result? A rebooting Fire Stick.
• Faulty firmware or software updates. Amazon releases regular firmware and software updates for its Fire Sticks. Not having the latest updates can cause the Fire Stick to keep restarting.

Troubleshooting your Fire TV Stick that keeps rebooting

Try these tips to nip a Fire Stick restarting issue in the bud.

Restart manually

A soft reset of the Fire Stick clears out any temporary files or data that cause performance issues. Follow these steps:

1. Press the Play and Select buttons on your Fire Stick remote simultaneously.
2. Hold the buttons until a restart message appears on the screen.
3. Follow the prompts to complete the restart.

If that doesn't resolve the problem, try disconnecting the Fire Stick from your TV. Wait at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in. Unplugging the device releases errors that cause restarts and reboots. 

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Resolve power-related issues

Amazon Fire Sticks come with a USB adapter. However, some customers skip the adapter and plug the Fire Stick directly into their TV. Fire Sticks require more power than most TVs produce. Bypassing the adapter means the Fire Stick won't receive enough electricity to support streaming and may enter a reboot loop. 

Verify your Fire Stick setup uses Amazon's adapter to connect to the TV. If you lost the adapter, buy a replacement from Amazon. 

Check for software or app issues

Fire Sticks that don't have the latest updates may not work correctly. To check for new updates, follow these steps.

1. Use your remote to access Settings.
2. Click My Fire TV > About.
3. Click Check for Updates. 

Factory reset Fire TV Stick

A factory reset restores the Fire TV Stick to its original settings. It removes account information and downloaded apps that cause device problems. Plan to set your device up from scratch after the factory reset is complete.

1. Navigate to Fire TV Settings.
2. Click My Fire TV > About.
3. Click Reset to Factory Defaults.

How to prevent future issues with your Fire TV Stick

Keep your Amazon Fire TV Stick working properly with these tips.

Regular software updates

Fire Sticks receive automatic updates when connected to Wi-Fi. Make sure not to miss any updates by running a monthly manual check.

Avoid overheating

Connecting a Fire Stick directly to a TV exposes it to extra heat it can't withstand. Use the adapter to plug in your Fire Stick so it's several inches away from the television. 

Regularly clear the Fire Stick's cache

Get into a routine of manually unplugging the Fire Stick from the TV at least once monthly. Disconnecting the device helps remove conflicts that hamper its performance. A soft reset also clears the Fire Stick cache. 

Avoid installing unnecessary apps

Third-party apps enhance Fire Stick capabilities. However, some apps interfere with the device's firmware and software, causing the Amazon Fire Stick to not turn on. Only install apps you trust. If you notice disruptions after installing a new app, uninstall it. 

Keep cables in good condition

Check the Fire Stick's USB cables and adapter for signs of deterioration. If it has frayed or exposed cables, consider replacing the device.